News from April 13, 2025 at 2 PM

On April 13, 2025, an Israeli airstrike partially destroyed Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, the last fully functional hospital in Gaza City. Witnesses reported that the strike demolished the intensive care and surgery departments. Videos showed massive flames and smoke after missiles hit a two-storey building, with people, including some patients still in beds, fleeing the scene. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it targeted the hospital due to a Hamas 'command and control center' inside. Gaza's civil emergency service reported no casualties, but a child with a previous head injury died during the rushed evacuation, according to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry stated the building was 'completely destroyed,' forcing the displacement of patients and staff. The IDF claimed it took steps to mitigate harm, including advanced warnings and precise munitions. A local journalist said the IDF called a doctor in the emergency department, giving a 20-minute evacuation notice. Social media footage showed staff and patients leaving in the dark, with dozens of Palestinians, including women and children, fleeing a hospital courtyard. In October 2023, an explosion at the same hospital killed hundreds, with Palestinian officials blaming an Israeli strike, while Israel attributed it to a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

On April 13 local time, acting Mayor of Sumy, Ukraine, Alexey Kobzar, posted on social media that Russia launched a missile attack on the city, resulting in 21 deaths and at least 20 injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian ballistic missiles struck the center of Sumy, causing severe damage to streets, houses, and multiple vehicles. As of now, there has been no response from the Russian side.

Ecuador held its presidential election runoff on April 12, featuring a tight race between incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez. Noboa highlights his achievements in combating crime and boosting the economy, while Gonzalez pledges to revive the social programs of former President Rafael Correa. Over the past five years, Ecuador has seen a spike in crime rates amid a slow economic recovery. Noboa narrowly led in the February first round, but polls indicate either could win. Both candidates have urged their observers to prevent electoral fraud. Noboa's 'Phoenix' security plan reduced violent deaths by 15% last year, and he predicts a 4% economic growth this year. Gonzalez criticizes Noboa's governance and promises to deploy 20,000 new police if elected. Preliminary results are expected at 6 p.m. local time.

The UK Parliament passed an emergency bill granting government officials control over British Steel, owned by China's Jingye Group, to prevent the closure of its plant in Scunthorpe. The legislation was approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords on April 12, with MPs recalled from their Easter recess. The new law gives Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng extensive powers to manage British Steel and order raw materials to maintain production. Ownership of the plant remains with Jingye Group, but nationalization is still under discussion. The government's move aims to prevent the loss of thousands of jobs and the UK becoming the only G7 country without primary steel production. Jingye Group reported daily losses of £700,000 and rejected a £500 million government aid offer last month.

Both Australia's Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party have launched their election campaigns, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promising support for first-time homebuyers, including a 5% down payment and AUD 10 billion in subsidies. Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton proposed a one-time cost-of-living tax cut and a homebuying support plan. The federal election is set for May 3, with both parties competing to address housing affordability and win young voters' support. Latest polls show Albanese leading Dutton by a narrow margin.

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a devastating attack on Zamzam Camp for displaced people near al-Fasher in North Darfur, leaving hundreds dead or wounded, mostly women and children. The assault began on Thursday and continued through Saturday, destroying homes, markets, and healthcare facilities. Earlier in the week, a similar attack on Abu Shouk Camp killed 35 civilians. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami stated that at least 100 civilians were killed in both camps, which host over 700,000 displaced people. Relief International, the last organization providing critical services in Zamzam Camp, reported its clinic was overrun and nine staff members were killed. The RSF dismissed allegations of atrocities, claiming a video depicting civilian suffering was staged by the Sudanese army. Humanitarian agencies and local leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire and access for aid workers. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and devastated regions like Darfur.

On April 13, 2025, Pope Francis unexpectedly appeared during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, greeting the crowds from his wheelchair. He wished everyone a 'Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week' before returning to the Vatican, stopping occasionally to talk with the faithful, including a group of delighted nuns. Francis was discharged from the hospital on March 23 after spending five weeks being treated for double pneumonia, which his doctor said had nearly killed him. Despite medical advice to rest for two months, he has made four unannounced appearances this past week and briefly met Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla. It remains unclear how much he will participate in the upcoming Holy Week, the most significant week in the Church calendar.

On April 12, US Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont made an unexpected speech at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, drawing a massive crowd. Following a performance by superstar Charli XCX, Sanders urged the younger generation to fight for justice. Earlier in the day, Sanders and Democrat representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a rally that attracted 36,000 people. At the festival, Sanders criticized billionaires, health insurance companies, and the Trump administration, emphasizing the seriousness of climate change. He also introduced singer Clairo, thanking her for supporting women's rights and calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

On November 11, US and Ukrainian officials held talks on a new version of a mining agreement proposed by the US. The draft demands that the US International Development Finance Corporation control a crucial pipeline in Ukraine that transports Russian gas to Europe, sparking criticism of 'colonial extortion.' The meeting was marked by hostility, with little prospect of a breakthrough. The new draft is broader, including US priority rights to Ukrainian minerals and revenue deposited in a joint fund. The 1,200-kilometer pipeline, built during the Soviet era, was cut off on January 1 due to contract expiration. A Ukrainian economist criticized the US demands, while President Zelensky stated Ukraine would only agree to the pact if the revenue was split equally.

On Saturday, severe gales hit Beijing and northern China, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the suspension of train services. By 11:30 local time (03:30 GMT) on Saturday, a total of 838 flights were cancelled at the capital's two major airports, according to Reuters. Wind gusts reached up to 93 mph (150 kph), the strongest in Beijing in over half a century, and are expected to continue through the weekend, forcing the closure of attractions and historic sites. Millions were urged to stay indoors on Friday, with some state media warning that individuals weighing less than 50kg could be easily blown away. Train services, including the airport's express subway line and some high-speed rail lines, were suspended. Parks were closed, and nearly 300 trees have already fallen in the capital. Some vehicles were damaged, but no injuries were reported, as most residents followed authorities' advice to stay indoors after a warning to 22 million residents to avoid non-essential travel. A businessman from Zhejiang had his flight home cancelled and is stranded in Beijing. The strong winds, originating from a cold vortex system over Mongolia, are expected to last through the weekend. Beijing issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade, with the strongest winds expected on Saturday. The China Meteorological Administration expects the winds to range from level 11 to 13, with conditions easing by Sunday.

The U.S. State Department stated on Saturday that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is 'alive and secure' in a terrorism confinement center there. Despite a protective order against his deportation, Abrego Garcia was sent to El Salvador on March 15. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis demanded daily updates on efforts to secure his return. Michael Kozak of the State Department confirmed Abrego Garcia's status but did not detail specific steps being taken. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Xinis's order for his return but found the term 'effectuate' unclear. The Trump administration acknowledged the mistaken deportation but said it cannot immediately bring him back. Trump is set to meet El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele on Monday, with the White House indicating a responsibility to 'facilitate' rather than 'effectuate' his return.

On April 11, the Metropolitan Police released footage showing undercover officers dressed as Batman and Robin apprehending a man suspected of street scams near Westminster Bridge. The man was running a 'cup-and-ball' game, which was an illegal gambling operation. During an operation on February 15, Batman (Inspector Darren Watson) and Robin (Police Constable Abdi Osman) successfully arrested a suspect and seized the game props. The police stated that this was part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling in the area. Two men were ultimately arrested and later convicted.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro experienced severe abdominal pain during an event in northeastern Brazil on April 11 and was hospitalized in Rio Grande do Norte, interrupting his regional tour aimed at gaining political support. On April 12, he posted on X that he might need a fifth surgery. His doctor, Antonio Macedo, confirmed the need for surgery, but the location was still undecided. Bolsonaro, who was stabbed during his 2018 campaign and has undergone multiple surgeries, is currently on trial by Brazil's Supreme Court for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government after his 2022 election loss. Despite denying any wrongdoing, he plans to run in the next presidential election.

On April 12, 2025, a pro-government rally in support of President Aleksandar Vucic's policies and opposing months of student-led protests was held in Belgrade, Serbia. Thousands of people from towns in Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia arrived by buses. Main streets were blocked, and stands with fast food and drinks were set up in front of the parliament. The rally was Vucic's response to a massive anti-government rally on March 15, which saw over 100,000 people attending the largest protest in decades. Months of anti-government rallies followed a railway station roof collapse that killed 16, sparking widespread accusations of corruption and negligence. The protests have expanded to include students, teachers, and farmers, posing a significant challenge to Vucic, who has been in power for 12 years. Vucic declared 'The coloured revolution is over' at the rally. The event also aimed to promote a new movement led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed the rally via video link. Tensions between Vucic's supporters and anti-government protesters escalated, with clashes in Belgrade and Novi Pazar.

An explosion occurred near the offices of Hellenic Train in central Athens, with CCTV footage showing the blast originating from a backpack. Police reported anonymous calls warning of the attack to Greek media. Transport Minister Christos Staikouras condemned the act as 'criminal,' endangering lives. Local outlets Efsyn and Zougla reported the explosive device was in a padlocked backpack on an unlicensed scooter. The bomb disposal squad arrived too late. Hellenic Train confirmed no injuries and limited damage. The explosion comes amid public anger over a February 2023 railway disaster that killed 57 people.